IdaTech Participates in Administration's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative

BEND, Ore., Feb. 10 -- IdaTech participated in the Bush Administration's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative February 6 at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. President George W. Bush spoke about his proposed $1.2 billion hydrogen fuel cell initiative included in the Administration's FY 2004 budget submitted to Congress earlier this week. IdaTech and 21 other leaders of hydrogen infrastructure, automotive and fuel cell development were invited by the White House and the U.S. Department of Energy to show the VIP delegation state-of-the-art technology and products. Department of Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and Environmental Protection Agency Christie Todd-Whitman supported the President's announcement, and led a VIP delegation on a tour of exhibits ranging from fuel cell systems to fuel cell-powered concept automobiles.

IdaTech demonstrated its pre-commercial, 1.2 kilowatt FCS 1200(TM) fuel cell system to the delegation, powering the exhibit and ancillary electric devices.

"Hydrogen fuel cells represent one of the most encouraging, innovative technologies of our era," said President Bush. "If you're interested in our environment, if you're tired of the same old endless struggles that seem to produce nothing but noise and high bills, let us promote hydrogen fuel cells as a way to advance into the 21st century."

He discussed the comprehensive energy legislation his Administration sent to Capitol Hill last year. "It didn't pass the Congress. It's a plan that will encourage conservation. It's a plan needed for national security. I want to sign a comprehensive energy bill this year." Both House and Senate energy bills contained a first-ever federal fuel cell tax credit supported by IdaTech and over forty fuel cell companies and component suppliers. President Bush said, "I'm going to work with the Congress to move this nation forward on hydrogen fuel cell technologies. It's in our national interest that we do so."

"This unique venue afforded IdaTech the opportunity to become further integrated with the domestic energy policy and hydrogen fuel initiatives," said Eric Simpkins, Vice President of Business Development.

"President Bush introduced the hydrogen fuel cell initiative in the annual State of the Union speech, the first President to discuss fuel cells in a major speech before the nation," added Claude Duss, IdaTech President and Chief Executive Officer. "An emphasis for fuel cells and hydrogen generation within this Administration is especially helpful as IdaTech's fully integrated, multi-fuel solutions emerge for overseas and domestic markets."

IdaTech (www.idatech.com) is a developer of multi-fuel fuel processors and integrated proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems for global portable and stationary applications. The company's core capability is its patented fuel processing technology, which incorporates a two-stage purification process. IdaTech's fuel cell solutions are based on a modular design, supporting interchangeable components, enabling the company to accelerate product development while incorporating proven components and subsystems into customized configurations. With the support of strategic partners, IdaTech's fuel cell solutions are being deployed on a global scale. IdaTech is a subsidiary of the Boise, Idaho-based energy and technology holding company IDACORP .

Source: IdaTech

CONTACT: Katy Bowles, Marketing Communications Manager, IdaTech,
+1-541-322-1022, kbowles@idatech.com

Web site: http://www.idatech.com/